Subaru Repair: 2004 Outback..no tail lights`, left turn signal, outback h6

Question
I just purchased used Outback H6-3.0 wagon (16,800 mi).  Drove for 1st time at night and no tail lights!?  We've checked fuses and replaced bulbs (the rear brake lights do work).. We're still waiting to get a copy of the owners manual (so we're flying blind).  I did set off the car alarm using the spare key (if that weighs in) .. and just yesterday, after we replaced one of the back bulbs... the left turn signal now goes into a spasm when it gets flipped on... Just before we purchased the car, they did put in a new battery...   Do you think it's the alternator?

Help!
Kathy

Answer
Usually when just the taillights go out, it is either a fuse, a bad bulb, wiring or a headlamp switch. Do all of the parking lights work besides the taillights? The reason why the left turn signal goes wacky is because the bulb that is in there now is not the correct bulb. The first thing I would do is replace all the taillight bulbs with the correct bulbs and if that doesn't work I would take it to a repair shop to have them look at the electronics.